Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Banana Wrasse, also referred to as the Sunset Wrasse, Lime Green Wrasse, Yellow Wrasse or Yellow Moon Wrasse, is distributed across the Indo-West Pacific region. Juvenile or female Banana wrasses are entirely yellow with faint orange stripes in the face. A typical male Banana wrasse is also yellow, but the orange markings in their face are more bold in addition to having oranger scales in the body and more color in the fins. In rare circumstances, a terminal male Banana wrasse may come through the aquarium trade, which is where this wrasse gets the “Lime Green” wrasse nickname from. Terminal males are extremely striking with an overall green body, yellow and blue pectoral fins, and a reddish face with green stripes. A relatively hardy and easy fish to care for, the Banana wrasse can be somewhat semi-aggressive as it obtains size though not nearly as pushy as some of the other Thalassoma wrasses. Banana wrasses are very active, requiring an open water column for swimming space. This species has been observed to bury in the sand if felt threatened, or even at night. An adult Banana wrasse can reach a size of approximately 10″.

Diet Requirements: Banana wrasses are carnivores. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussels, clams, krill, squid and other large chunks of frozen food (with some that contain algae, such as spirulina) will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as wrasses have very high metabolisms. Banana wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Banana wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. While a Banana wrasse will appreciate some rock work, they also require a lot of unobstructed, open swimming space given their activity level. Banana wrasses are not reef safe because they will eat clean-up crew invertebrates and likely harass small fishes typical of reef aquariums. A Banana wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and other tank mates that match its energetic and somewhat aggressive disposition such as triggerfish, pufferfish, larger angelfish, and tangs. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 5″; Large: 6″ to 8″; XLarge: 9”+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.